Don't Get Locked Out This Winter: How To Prevent Winter Freeze-Outs
Winter is just about here. The temperatures are dropping, and things are starting to get cold, including your locks. Whether it's on your car, or on your home, the last thing you want is to get stuck out in the cold because your locks are frozen. Winter weather can wreak havoc on your locks. The cold weather can either freeze your locks entirely so that the key won't even go in, or the mechanisms inside will freeze so the key won't turn. Either way, the results are the same, you're stuck outside in the cold. To prevent winter freeze-outs, here are three steps you can take:
Keep Moisture Out
When it comes to preventing winter freeze-outs, the best thing you can do is begin the winter with a shot of graphite lubricant. The graphite lubricant spray will protect the inner mechanisms of your lock by removing moisture, and prevent its return. Giving your locks an application of graphite lubricant as soon as the weather turns cold will protect them all winter long. You can use the spray on both your car and your residential locks.
Use a De-Icer
Now that winter is almost here, it's time to keep up some windshield de-icer. Not only will you need it to get the ice off your windshield, but it will also come in handy for getting the ice off your locks. You can find windshield de-icer at any hardware store. Keep some on your porch to prevent home freeze-outs, and then carry some in a pocket-size container for when your car locks freeze while you're out for the day – or night. While carrying a larger bottle in the trunk will work taking care of your windows, it's not going to do you much good if your locks are frozen. That's why it's important to carry a small container of it in your purse, or jacket pocket during the winter. All you need to do is apply a small amount of de-icer to the outside of the lock to remove the ice. Next, dip your key in the de-icer before inserting it into the lock. The de-icer on the key will melt the ice so your key will work.
Call Your Locksmith
If you haven't treated your locks with graphite lubricant, and you don't have access to de-icer, you'll need to call the locksmith. They can come out and clear the ice so you can use your locks again. They can also treat your locks with the graphite lubricant so you won't have the problem again this winter.
Check out a website like http://www.alocksmithriverside.com for more information and assistance.
